By Sunday Elijah
The Edo State Government, South-south Nigeria, has commenced construction of its first-ever flyover bridge, marking a milestone in the state’s urban infrastructure development.
The project, located at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, spans one kilometre and is designed to ease traffic congestion and improve vehicular movement in Benin City.
The bridge consists of 24 spans, each measuring 20 meters, and is being constructed using reinforced concrete technology.
Officials say the approach was intended to enhance durability, with the structure expected to last between 50 and 100 years. The use of concrete was also aimed at reducing long-term maintenance costs and minimizing the need for frequent reconstruction.
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, visited the construction site on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. During the inspection, Umahi described the project as a landmark intervention and emphasized its potential to transform the urban fabric of the state capital.
He noted that the quality and pace of work were commendable and said the flyover could serve as a model for future infrastructure projects in the region.
“This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 meters, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic,” Umahi said.
Umahi also contrasted the performance of contractors working on state-level projects with those handling federal assignments, noting that governors often enforce stricter oversight and discipline. He pledged to introduce tighter accountability measures at the federal level to ensure value for money and timely completion of projects.
“I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stated.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who assumed office earlier this year, has made road and bridge construction a focus of his administration. The flyover project is part of a broader strategy to modernize Edo State’s transport network and improve connectivity within urban centers.
The flyover project has attracted attention from political stakeholders across party lines. Figures from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have acknowledged the significance of the initiative and its potential impact on transportation and urban planning in Edo State.
